Sunshade



C. L. JOLLY Jan. 3, 1939.

sunsmum,

Original Filed June 17, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet l Char/e5 L- (Jo/{y BY HT 7'ORA E1 C. L. JOLLY Jan. 3, 1939.

SUNSHADE lllllllll lll 1 Sheets-Sheet 2 ll HI mun Ch ar/as L $444 774 C.L. JOLLY Jan' 3, 1939.

SUNSHADE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed June 1 '7, 19155 [II/17E TORC'fiar/esL. Joly Qmw 7h. 4407 HTTOEZI/EY C. L. JOLLY Jan. 3, 1939.

SUNSHADE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed June 17, 1935 a dqcuum 7h. W

HTTOENEY [IV/ENTOR clwrles L. c/o/l Patented Jan. 3, 1939 PATENT OFFICEI SUNSHADE Charles L. Jolly, Wilmar, Calif.

Application June 17, 1935, Serial No. 27,009 Renewed April 20, 1938 11Claims.

This invention relates to beach shelters, and is a continuation, inpart, of my application entitled Beach shelter originally filed December22, 1932, Serial Number 648,426, and renewal of which was made February26, 1934, and which has since issued December 10, 1935, as Patent No.2,023,813.

In the provision of beach shelters it is a prime requirement that thestructure shall be simple in 1 its construction and may be readilyfolded or moved to its operative position without the manipulationv of acomplicated mechanism, and shall, in its folded position, provide apackage of small compass, thus making its desirable for use on campingtrips or on short excursions to the beach or the mountains. Suchstructures, for the most part, at the present time, have taken the formof beach umbrellas or tents. It is the principal object of the presentinvention to provide a beach shelter which shall have all of thedesirable advantages and privacy of a tent, but which may be folded andunfolded with the ease of manipulation of an umbrella.

The present invention contemplates provision of a foldable canopy havinglongitudinal flexible ribsand a lateral flexible rib, the longitudinalribs being so pivoted together as to make it possible to unfold theshelter to a desired position, while the lateral rib or ribs yieldablyhold the shelter in its unfolded and operative position and make itpossible to provide a canopy which may assume-a shape substantially thatof a segment of a sphere, or, if desired, an elongated shell-shapedstructure, the opposite edges of which may meet the ground and form acomplete shelter of greater than body length.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

Fig. l is a view in front elevation looking into the shelter in itsunfolded position, and here it is performing the usual function of anumbrella.

Fig. 2 is a view in end elevation showing the shelter disclosed in Fig.1.

Fig. 3 is a view in end elevation showing the shelterof Fig. 1 with thecanopy portion folded and the lateral rib flexed.

4 is a view in perspective showing .the shelter completely folded and,in effect, tied into a compact bundle.

Fig. 5 is a view in transverse section through the shelter, as seen onthe line 55 of Fig. 1, and particularlydiscloses the connection for thelateral rib.

Fig. 6 is a view in transverse section through the shelter takensubstantially on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1, but showing another form oflateral rib secured to one of the longitudinal ribs intermediate itsends and having detachable connections with the outermost longitudinalribs of the canopy. 5

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view in elevation showing a structure by which theshelter may be detachably fastened to supporting stakes, and which alsomakes it possible to secure the shelter in a desired angle positionwithrelation to the stakes.

Fig. 8 is a view in side elevation showing the stake fastening structureand the pivot fitting of the canopy. r

Fig. 9 is a view in central vertical section through the stake fasteningstructure and the pivot, as seen on the line 9-9 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 10 is a view in horizontal section, on the line Ill-l9 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a view in vertical section showing the adjusting means of thepivot fitting as seen on the line ll-ll of Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a view of the pivotal mounting for the longitudinal ribs withthe cap omitted, as seen on the line I 2-I2 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 13 is a view in elevation looking into the 5 shelter when unfoldedand shows a modified form of the invention embodying a plurality ofshort lateral ribs engaging successive longitudinal ribs. The figurefurther shows by dotted lines a flexed position of the shelter when theopposite ends of the longitudinal ribs are separated, whereby a completeshelter covering is provided extending to the ground on both sides.

Fig. 14 is a view in transverse section taken on the line 14- of Fig.13, showing the lateral 5 rib structure.

-Fig. 15 is a fragmentary view in transverse section showing anotherform of lateral rib structure.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary view showing a lateral rib having pivotal jointbetween its longitudias seen nal ribs.

Fig. 17 is afragmentary view in section showing another modified form oflateral rib.

Fig. 18 is a view in front elevation showing the shelter unfolded anddisclosing the use of a plurality of contiguous flexible lateral ribs.

Fig. 19 is a view in side elevation showing the shelter mounted uponstakes in the manner as shown in detail -in Figs. 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Fig. 20 is a view in front elevation showing the shelter mounted uponsupporting stakes and disclosing the application of the clamping meansshown in detail in Figs. 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Referring more particularly to the drawings,

l and H indicate pivot units disposed at opposite ends of a plurality oflongitudinally extending ribs l2. As particularly shown in Fig. 12 ofthe drawings, these ribs are separately formed with eyes l3 whichreceive rivets H by which the ribs are pivotally secured betweencircular discs l5 and IS. The discs are spaced from each other by acenter boss I! and lugs l8 and 19. It will, of course, be understoodthat various other forms of pivotal connections may be provided, butthis has proved to be acceptable in the present instance.

Mounted upon the back of the disc I5 is a spacing disc 20. This disc, asis shown in Fig. 11, is formed with a plurality of lugs 2| which arearranged circumferentially on one side of the disc and may receive anadjusting lug 22 carried by a disc l5. Diametrically opposite the lug 22on disc I5 is a lug 23 which tends to hold the faces of discs and inparallel. alignment. Mounted centrally of the disc 20 is a set screw 24which is secured to the disc 20 and extends through a central openingin, the boss I! of the disc 15. Set screw also extends through the discl5 and is threaded at its outer end as indicated at 25, to receive wingnut 26 by which it may be adjustably set.

interposed between the wing nut and outer face of the disc I6 is a cup21, which is provided with a circumferential flange 28 which extendsdown over the marginal edges of discs I5, I6, and 20 when in its lockedposition. This cup is formed with a series of V-shaped serrations 29 inits marginal edge, which serrations are designed to actuate the variouslongitudinal ribs l2 and which may be locked in position to receivethese ribs when the shelter is in either a folded or unfolded position.

The structure thus described comprises the hub elements l0 and II. Itmay be desirable to temporarily mount these hubs on stakes 30 which maybe driven in the ground so that the hubs may be supported at a distancefrom the ground to give added head room under the shelter. Various meansmight be provided to accomplish this result but, in the presentinstance, the disc 20 is shown as formed with a fettle 3| having lugs 32and 33 at its opposite sides. The lugs 32 engage the ends of a stirrup34 which may be swung around the stake when it is positioned within thefettle to embrace the same. The lu 33 carries a latch member in theshape of a ball 35 pivoted to the lugs 33 and adapted to swing over thelooped end 36 of the stirrup 34. Carried upon the loop off the bail is afastening loop 31. This pivots upon the loop of-the bail and has twoprongs 38 which may swing over the loop portion 36 of the stirrup andswing around the stake 30 in an embracing position, at the same timepreventing the stirrup from becoming disengaged and unlocked. Due tothis arrangement the hub elements I!) and H may be secured to the stakesat any desired elevation and quickly locked in position or releasedtherefrom.

The longitudinal ribs I2 are of steel and have considerable flexibility,although when formed they are set to normally remain arcuate. Attentionis directed to Fig. 12, where it will be seen that the ends of the ribsare of different lengths so that, when the structure is folded, all ofthe ribs may lie parallel to each other, even though they are eachmounted on a different pivotal axis, the axes collectively arrangedalong the circumference of a circle. The ribs are covered with asuitable fabric covering, generally indicated at 39, so that, when thestructure is unfolded, the ribs will assume a definite spaced relationto each other. This spaced relation is maintained by means of a lateralrib 40 which, in one form of the invention, is shown as extendingtransversely along an equatorial line of segment representing thecanopy, and which is shown in Figs. 1 and 5 as being secured to theoutermost longitudinal ribs l2 of the set. It is preferable that thelateral rib 40 shall be pivotably connected with the longitudinal ribsso that it may be twisted to lie in the general plane of the foldedshelter and may thereafter be tied in with the shelter, as shown in Fig.4. By reference to Fig. 5 it will be seen that the pivotal connectioncomprises a U-shaped plate 4| embracing the outermost longitudinal ribi2 and carrying a bolt 42 which holds it in position and also provides apivot for the ends of the lateral rib 40. A nut 43 secures the bolt andthe other parts in place.

The result of this arrangement is that the entire canopy structure hasflexibility longitudinally and laterally, making it possible to move thehubs Ill and l l toward each other to increase the arc of thelongitudinal ribs, as well as the arc of the lateral rib, and making itpossible to move the hubs Ill and H away from each other to flex thelongitudinal and lateral ribs, thus providing a longitudinal shallowshelter as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 13 in the drawings. Dueto this arrangement the canopy may be used as a sunshade or a completecovering, serving the purpose of a tent and permitting one or morepersons to lie flat beneath it.

In the form of the invention described in Figures 13 to 18 inclusive,various modifications in the lateral r ib construction are shown. InFigures 13 and 14 a lateral rib is shown which comprises a series of ribsections 44 which are pivotally associated with adjacent longitudinalribs l2. lateral rib is shown in which a rib section 45 is disposedbetween adjacent ribs with an eye 46 and the other end being formed witha loop or stirrup 4'! adapted to be held in position with relation to arib l2 under the tension of the fabric 39. In the form of the inventionshown in Fig. 16, a lateral rib section is shown and indicated at 48,which section terminates in eyelets 49 hinged together by a pin 50 at apoint intermediate its ends. The lateral rib structure shown in Fig. 1'7comprises fittings 5|, one of which is carried by each of thelongitudinal ribs and which flttings have an intermediate connectingmember 52. In the form of the modification shown in Fig. 18, threelateral ribs are provided, one, the ribill previously described, and twoother ribs, 53, which engage the outermost longitudinal ribsat theirends and cross each other and the lateral ribs at a point intermediatetheir ends.

The structure shown in ,Figs. 19 and 20 may be any one of the shelterspreviously described, indicating the manner in which it is mounted uponthe stakes 30. In operation of the present invention, the canopy isassembled with relation to the hubs l0 and II and with the wing nuts 26of the hubs loosely positioned upon the threaded ends 25 of the bolts24. The cups 2'! of each hub are thus loosely arranged with relation tothe ends of the longitudinal ribs 12. Normally, the shelter is tied inthe loop shown'in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The ends of the foldedstructure, as indicated at 54, may be untied so that In Fig. 15 anotherform of composite the structure will assume the position generallyindicated in Fig. 3 of the drawings. In this position the longitudinalribs and the intermediate sections of fabric will be folded in bellowsfashion, while the lateral rib 40 will be oppositely flexed from theposition it will assume when the shelter is unfolded. The canopy maythen be swung upwardly, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 3, at whichtime the lateral rib 40 will assume the position indicated by dottedlines in the Fig. 3. The lateral rib may then be forced to swing on itspivots 42 to assume a position within the shelter as shown in Fig. 5 ofthe drawings. In this position the shelter will be held opened withoutdanger of collapse; In order, however, to fasten the longitudinal ribsso they will not accidentally close, the wing nut 26 may be tightened,forcing the prongs of the serrations 29, carried by the cup 21, inbetween the various longitudinal ribs l2 and thus clamping them in aseparated position so that they can not accidentally fold. If it isdesired to mount the shelter on stakes 30, this may be done bymanipulating and locking members 34- and 3! around the stakes. When theshelter is to be folded, the lateral rib is swung upon its pivots M in adirection parallel to the longitudinal ribs and in a manner to againassume the position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 3, after which thecanopy may be collapsed and the lateral rib twisted on its pivots 42 tolie in a plane parallel therewith. The ends 54 of the folded structuremay then be tied through the loop, as shown in Fig. 4.

Attention is directed to the fact that the canopy structure is entirelyflexible, that is to say, its longitudinal ribs may flex toward and awayfrom an extreme arcuate position to a relatively flat position, as shownby dotted lines in Fig. 13, this being particularly possible due to theflexibility of the lateral rib dd.

It will thus be seen that the structure here described will provide ashelter of relatively large dimensions when unfolded, but may easily becollapsed and folded into a package of small compass, the parts beingrugged in their design and not liable to get out of order.

While I have shown the preferred form of my invention as now known tome, it will be understood that various changes'gnay be made in thecombination, construction, and arrangement of parts by those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byU. S. LettersPatent is: v

1. A sunshade having a plurality of arched bows, all pivotally connectedtogether at their opposite ends, a fabric cover secured to the bows, andan extending means in the form of a semiflexible lateral rib pivotallyattached to the two outside bows and bendable into an arc transverselyto. the arch of the bows to hold the bows in an extended position.

2. A sunshade as claimed in claim 1, the said extending means beingflexible and bendable into 7 a reverse bend for folding the bowstogether.

covering being foldable with all of the bows contiguous, and the bowsbeing bendable into a smaller arch to form a loop with the ends ofthebows forming a loose-knot to form a ring-like parcel of the sunshade.

4. A sunshade having a plurality of arched bows, a pair of hubs forminga pivotal connection for the opposite ends of the bows, a fabric coversecured to the bows, an extending means in the form of a semi-flexiblelateral rib pivotal- 1y connected to the two outside bows and bendableinto an arc transverse to the arch of. the bows to hold the bowsextended, the said extending means, when the shade is extended, engagingsubstantially the'apex of the arch of the bows, and a diagonal extendingmeans connecting the two outside bows and intersecting the firstmentioned extending means when the shade is in the extended position.

5. A sunshade as claimed in claim: .4, the

diagonal extending means being attached to one of the outside bows andhaving a hook to engage the other outside bow.

6. A sunshade having a plurality of arched bows, a pair of hubstructures forming a pivotal connection for the opposite ends of all ofthe bows, a fabric cover secured to the bows, an extending meanspivotally connected to one of the bows and having thrust hooks to engagethe two outside bows and hold the sunshade in an extended position withthe bows spread apart.

7. A sunshade having a plurality of arched bows, all pivotally connectedtogether at their opposite ends, a fabric cover secured to the bows, anextending means of at least semi-rigid material attached to each bow andengaging the next adjacent bow, the said extending means being adaptedto retain any number or all of the bows spaced apart with the fabriccover in its extended position.

8. A sunshade having a plurality of arched bows, all pivotally connectedtogether at their opposite ends, a fabric cover secured to the bows, aresilient extending means attached to each bow and engaging the nextadjacent how, the said extending means being adapted to retain anynumber or all of the bows spaced apart with the fabric extended, each ofthe extending means being pivotally connected to one bow and having athrust hool: to engage the next adjacent bow.

9. A sunshade having a plurality of arched bows, all pivotally connectedtogether at their opposite ends, a fabric cover secured to the bows, aresilient extending means attached to each bow and engaging the nextadjacent how, the said extending iaeans being adapted to retain anynumber or all 9f the bows spaced apart with the fabric extended, theextending means between each pair of bows being pivotally connected to apair of adjacent bows and having a hinge for folding each extendingmeans when collapsing.

the sunshade and folding the fabric.

10. A sunshade comprising in combination, a plurality of arched bows, afabric cover secured to said bows, a pair of hubs, each hub having apair of discs spaced apart by rivets, the end of each bow being pivotedon a rivet, a clamping attachment, the hub discs having a perforation, abolt extending through-the said perforation and secured to a clampingplate, said clamping plate having jaws thereon to engage a stake and aclamping cap mounted on the bolt with fax means to tighten the clampingcap to secure the clamping plate to the hub discs.

11. A sunshade comprising in combination, a plurality of arched bows, afabric cover secured to said bows, a pair of hubs, each hub having apair of discs spaced apart by rivets, the end of each bow being pivotedon a rivet, a plurality of arched bows, a fabric secured to said bows, apair of hubs, each having the ends of the bows pivotally connectedthereto, a clamping plate, a centering means between the clamping plateand the hub, jaws on the clamping plate to engage a stake, a clampingcap having a plurality of teeth on its peripheral edges, and means totighten the clamping cap on the hub and the clamping plate to engage thebows between the various teeth and thereby retain the bows in anextendedposition.

CHARLES L. JOLLY.

